Stickney firefighter charged with possessing child porn

A lieutenant in the Stickney Fire Department has been charged federally with possession of child pornography after an investigation by an FBI task force, the agency announced today.

Michael J. Gruber, 53, of North Riverside, was arrested Friday, according to the FBI. Gruber has been suspended from his duties, Stickney Fire Chief Larry Meyer said.

The Innocent Images Task Force identified Gruber as a possible buyer of illegal images over the Internet, according to the federal complaint, and a search warrant was executed at his home Friday. Some 53 compact discs allegedly were recovered.

Gruber has been released on bond pending a court appearance. Gruber's attorney, Daniel Martin, had no immediate comment.